The Walrus Says

BY JIM MUNRO

When a long-time Jamestown business shuts down it not only affects the employees who are laid off, but other groups that relied on the establishment for their on-going activities. Such is the case of the Jamestown Community Band that has lost its practice and concert hall with the shuttering of the Portuguese American Citizens Club.

The band has completed its 2011 rehearsal schedule and it’s not scheduled to resume until Jan. 10. Bethany Clarke, band director, said she is “not sure” what’s going to happen. Band member Fred Pease is concerned about the closing, adding that he “hopes someone will open it again who will be sympathetic to the band’s needs.”

Meanwhile, band members have volunteered to set up and play in front of Ken’s Barber Shop during the 1st Day Plunge on New Year’s Day at East Ferry. When participants go into the water at noon, the band will be short a trumpeter. Matt Hull will be joining the crowd splashing around in the East Passage.

Hayden Maclean, second from left, became an Eagle Scout Tuesday. He was joined at the ceremony (from left) by father Willie Maclean, mother Linda Maclean, sister Iris Bohensky, and brother Ross Bohensky, who was visiting from Okinawa, Japan.
PHOTO BY ANDREA VON HOHENLEITEN Play on!

***

Alyson Yeomann resolves “to be happy” in the new year.

*** Sam Albaugh vows to “be more patient with my wife and kids.” ***

Jamestown Boy Scout Troop 1 held a court of honor and annual Christmas party last Thursday night at the senior center. Elena McCarthy, troop co-advancement coordinator, reports that more than 20 scouts and their families attended. Chris Waterman, who was home for the holidays from the Air Force Academy, advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout. Other Scouts who advanced in rank are Ian Archibald and Josh Masterson, who became life scouts; Robert Cassidy, who advanced to first class; Elliot Italiano, who achieved the rank of second class; and Josh Neronha, who moved up to tenderfoot.

Several other Scouts received merit badges including Kenny and Owen Baertlein, Jackson Hawkins, Jacob Maguire and Elliot (carpentry); Robert Cassidy, Truman Christie, Zach Neronha and John Waddington (personal fitness); Jackson Hawkins and Kenny (rifl e shooting); and Ethan Holt and Jacob (camping). Ethan was also awarded the merit badge for pets, Elliot earned the merit badge for archery, and Josh achieved the reading merit badge.

Kudos to all!

***

Troop 1 will be in charge of the bon fire at Sunday’s 1st Day Plunge at East Ferry.

***

Kathleen Golini’s resolution is “to have more patience, travel more and enjoy life.”

***

After all the years that I’ve heard people say they want peace on Earth as a gift, this is the first year that I’ve heard of someone actually getting it.

When Bethany Clarke asked her mother what she would like for Christmas, Susanne replied peace on Earth. Bethany went out and scooped up a cup of dirt and bought a bag of split peas. She put the dirt in a box, put split peas on he top of the dirt, added a peace sign and a note that read, “Here’s Peas on Earth.”

The email read, “Just a point of order, the $111,775 was not taxpayer dollars. It was grant money received through RIEDC from ARRA funding to be used for wind energy development.”

Thanks Cheryl, if the money did not come directly from the local coffers, I apologize.

However, it’s still taxpayer money. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was passed to give away our money to stimulate the economy. We all know how that’s worked out. Since its enactment the government has handed out more than $7 billion of our dollars.

***

Poser:

It’s time to come together,

It’s up to you,

Watch your pleasure,

Everyone around the world,

Come on.

***

Meghann Albaugh vows to “take better care of myself.”

***

The Jamesown Rotary Club is conducting its annual fundraiser. Send donations to P.O. Box 652, Jamestown, RI 02835. The club sponsors the Jamestown Classic bike race in October and distributes turkeys and groceries to needy people on the island in November. In the spring, it hosts families and seniors at a May breakfast and later puts on a dinner to honor elementary school students who create posters or write short essays on themes related to citizenship. The club also sells doughboys at the Fools’ Rules Regatta. The Rotary receives requests for scholarship funds to study abroad or to support internships. It also sponsors Boy Scout Troop 1.

***

The Jamestown Arts Center will resume its open figure drawing for adults Monday, Jan. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. A live model and easels will be provided but bring your own drawing materials. It’s $15.

***

Meghan Rice’s resolution is “to smile more.”

***

Happy New Year!

***

Be true!

***

Call in your stuff to 829-2760 or 423-0383, or email me at jtnwal rus@hotmail.com. Thank you.